Portsmouth, Virginia — A dramatic early-morning police pursuit in Portsmouth, Virginia, ended in tragedy Monday after a suspected stolen vehicle driver jumped off the Berkley Bridge, according to the Portsmouth Police Department.
Authorities say the incident began around 6:30 a.m. when officers identified a stolen vehicle traveling eastbound on Route 164, heading toward I-264. Officers attempted to use a GPS tracking deployment to safely monitor the vehicle’s movements, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
Crash on the Berkley Bridge
Police continued following the vehicle as it merged onto the interstate. Moments later, the stolen vehicle crashed near the Waterside Drive exit on the Berkley Bridge. The driver immediately exited the wrecked vehicle and fled on foot, according to investigators.
Before officers could reach him, police say the suspect ran to the edge of the bridge and jumped into the water below.
Search Efforts Intensify
Following the jump, Portsmouth police officers, along with specialized rescue personnel, launched an immediate search-and-rescue operation. Divers entered the water and additional crews scanned the area by boat and shoreline.
Despite the rapid response, authorities later located the suspect’s body. Police confirmed the individual was deceased upon retrieval.
Investigators are now working to positively identify the suspect, and no additional details about their identity have yet been released.
Traffic Impact on Major Interstates
The crash and subsequent emergency response caused widespread delays throughout the morning commute. Commuters traveling on I-464 north and I-264 east reported significant congestion as law enforcement and rescue teams shut down multiple lanes in the area.
According to VDOT, all lanes and ramps on I-264 east near the Berkley Bridge in Norfolk were later reopened, and traffic flow gradually returned to normal.
Community and Safety Concerns
Incidents involving high-speed chases and dangerous pursuits continue to raise questions about public safety during police operations. While officers attempted to safely contain the situation—beginning with the attempted GPS device deployment—the unpredictable actions of the suspect led to a tragic outcome.
Local authorities emphasized that their top priority remains avoiding injury to the public, officers, and suspects during incidents such as these. Police have not announced any additional information about the stolen vehicle case but confirmed the investigation remains ongoing.
What’s Next in the Investigation
Detectives are currently working to identify the deceased individual and contact next of kin. Once identification is confirmed, a full toxicology report and autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause of death.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing:
- The timeline of the chase
- Body-worn camera footage
- The vehicle retrieval
- Crash reconstruction details
This information will help determine whether further procedural steps or internal reviews are required.
What do you think about the risks involved in police pursuits? Should more technology be used to avoid high-speed chases, or are they sometimes necessary? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
